Proactive Groundwater Management in Moses Kotane Municipality (2021 – 2024)
Published by MCP-Programme in Strategic Water Management · Friday 11 Apr 2025 · 3:00
Moses Kotane Local Municipality (MKLM) is a largely rural municipality with 107 dispersed villages that are largely dependent on boreholes for water access. The MCPP has played a pivotal role in shifting from a reactive to a proactive approach in groundwater monitoring and infrastructure maintenance.
Addressing Key Challenges
Prior to the MCPP intervention, the municipality lacked an updated borehole infrastructure database, with borehole maintenance being largely reactive rather than proactive. The municipality also faces challenges related to the lack of skilled staff, and limited financial resources have contributed to inadequate service delivery. Additionally, a disconnect between municipal authorities and mining companies has hindered coordinated efforts to improve water access. Through the programme, technical solutions, infrastructure improvements, and capacity-building initiatives has since transformed the way groundwater resources are managed.
MCPP Interventions for Sustainable Water Management
Key initiatives implemented by the MCPP include:
- Technical coaching to strengthen capability of municipal groundwater officials on groundwater operations and management. Through various technical coaching sessions, the borehole operators have been able to build their technical
- capability for improved groundwater management. Over 47 pump operators trained on the developed Pump Operator Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) with the aim of improving borehole management.
- Development of Water level Meters. With the municipality not being able to afford the purchasing of water level meters for each of the 140 boreholes that on average cost R10 000 (per borehole), Operators were subsequently capacitated to produce basic water level meters worth less than R500. With these water level meters, borehole operators are now equipped with water level meters for accurate measurement, replacing outdated manual techniques.
- Conducted Groundwater Infrastructure Assessment, providing an overview of borehole infrastructure status quo to strengthen maintenance planning. A total of 140 boreholes were assessed in the western region and each borehole’s status was documented. Out of the 140 boreholes, 71 were found to be non-functional at the time. As a result of the assessment and the technical support provided by the MCPP, the municipality was able to rehabilitate boreholes in Brakkuil, Mabeskral, and Madikwe were, leading to improved functionality and water provision.
- Development and Implementation of a mobile data capture app (Kobo App) to support real-time monitoring of groundwater infrastructure. With the app, the team has been able to do weekly data submissions which has enabled the team to improve maintenance response times.
- Development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for borehole operation and maintenance.
Strengthening Municipal Capacity and Collaboration
The MCPP groundwater intervention in Moses Kotane has significantly improved water security and municipal capability. Through targeted support, the project enhanced groundwater management, upskilled municipal teams, improved data use, and strengthened borehole monitoring. These interventions not only addressed immediate water access issues but also laid the groundwork for long-term, sustainable resource management. For Anglo American Platinum, the initiative showcases the value of strategic CSI in boosting municipal capacity and reducing service delivery risks that affect mining operations. All these achievements underline the critical value of MCPP as a long-term support programme, ensuring ongoing progress in addressing water security challenges for vulnerable communities.
Acknowledgments:
Anglo Platinum, Amandelbult Mine, MKLM Groundwater Teams, MCPP Implementation Team
For more information, please see [2023 MCPP Annual Report]